The Sassafras Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Sassafras Foundation is a private foundation in Branford, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $540,000 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $42,500 and the largest $125,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$540,000
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$42,500
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$18.8 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was down from $704,000 the year before.
40% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $783,000 | 23 | $14.5 million |
| 2024 | $704,000 | 17 | $16.4 million |
| 2025 | $540,000 | 10 | $18.8 million |
How to apply
The Sassafras Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Sassafras Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Connecticut.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 10 | $540,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Education Athletics in Partnership | General support | $125,000 |
| Christian Community Action | General support | $115,000 |
| New Haven Legal Assistance Inc | General support | $80,000 |
| Connecticut Voices for Children | General support | $50,000 |
| Save the Sound | General support | $45,000 |
| Open Communities Alliance Inc | Fellows program | $40,000 |
| Center for Children's Advocacy Inc Co U of CT School of Law | General support | $25,000 |
| United Way of Connecticut | Redwood fellows program | $25,000 |
| Urban Resources Initiativeyale School of the Environment | General support | $20,000 |
| Horizons at the Foote School | General support | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Gordon T Geballe
- Shelley D Geballe
- Joshua G Geballe
- Benjamin D Geballe
- Daniel W Geballe
Questions people ask
Does The Sassafras Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Sassafras Foundation give?
$540,000 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $42,500.
Who runs The Sassafras Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Gordon T Geballe (President, Director), Shelley D Geballe (Sect'y/Treasurer/Director), Joshua G Geballe (Director) and Benjamin D Geballe (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Sassafras Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.